ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Bio-Decomposer Technology for Stubble Burning
The bio-decomposer namely Pusa Decomposer developed by The Indian Council of Agricultural Research  has been used by the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi to total of 978,713 acres  equivalent to about 2.4 million tonnes of straw management in this year.
Also, to support the efforts of the Governments of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi to address air pollution and to subsidize machinery required for management of crop residue , a Central Sector Scheme on ‘Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi’ is implemented from 2018-19. Under this scheme financial assistance @ 50% of the cost of machinery is provided to the farmers for purchase of identified crop residue management machinery and financial assistance @ 80% of the project cost is provided to the Cooperative Societies of Farmers, Farmers Producers Organization , Registered Farmers Societies and Panchayats for establishment of Custom Hiring Centres  of identified crop residue management machinery.
The satellite-based monitoring indicated that a total 82533 paddy residue burning events were detected in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in 2021 season which are 7.71% less than in 2020.As per the monitoring report, paddy residue events in Haryana increased from 4,202 in 2020 to 6,987 in 2021, while in Punjab events decreased from 83,002 in 2020 to 71,304 in 2021. Similarly, the satellite estimated paddy burnt area in Haryana increased from 216,000 ha in 2020 to 354,000 ha in 2021, while in Punjab the paddy burnt area decreased from 1.66 Million ha in 2020 to 1.59 Million ha in 2021
During the period from 2018-19 to 2021-22, a total of more than 2.13 lakh crop residue management machines have been supplied to these established CHCs and to the individual farmers in these 4 States  which also include more than 1889 balers 
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Cabinet approves MoU signed between India and France in the field of Renewable Energy
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding  signed between India and France in the field of Renewable Energy on 10th March, 2018 in New Delhi.
Both sides aim to identify research/ demonstration/ pilot project between National Institute of Solar Energy , India and Commissariat a I'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives , France in the mutually identified areas. Based on mutual agreement, both parties would work for implementation & deployment of pilot project in ISA member countries. Collaboration may occur through several means, including joint research projects, joint R&D, joint workshops, Research and Technology exchange including exchange of domain experts. The MoU also aims for exchange of expertise and networking of information.
The MoU will help in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Competition Commission of India and Egyptian Competition Authority
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding  between Competition Commission of India  and Egyptian Competition Authority .
Implementation Strategy and Targets:
The MoU envisages promotion and strengthening of cooperation in competition law and policy through exchange of information, sharing of best practices as well as through various capacity building initiatives. The MoU also aims to develop and strengthen linkages between CCI and ECA, and learn and emulate from each other's experiences in the enforcement of competition law in their respective jurisdictions through experience sharing and technical cooperation.
Impact:
The MoU, through exchange of enforcement initiatives, would enable CCI to emulate and learn from the experience and lessons of its counterpart competition agency in Egypt which would help improve enforcement of the Competition Act, 2002 by CCI. The resultant outcomes would benefit consumers at large and promote equity and inclusiveness.
Background:
Section 18 of the Competition Act, 2002 permits CCI to enter into any memorandum or arrangement with any agency of any foreign country for the purpose of discharging its duties or performing its functions under the Act. Accordingly, the present proposal relates to signing of MoU between CCI and EGA.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Agricultural exports should be prioritized to increase the farmers income: Ms. Shobha Karandlaje
If we want to double the income of our farmers, we need to focus on enhancing the agri exports and our agri produce to be made chemical free, said Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Ms. Shobha Karandlaje.
While participating in the event, Vanijya Utsav, organized by APEDA- at Bengaluru today morning Minister said we have become self-reliant in all most all sectors except edible Oils. Now it is time for us to grow Oil Palm and set up oil processing Units to achieve Aatma Nirbharata in the oil palm sector. India’s agri future lies in exports she said.
India last year has produced 305 million MT of food grains and 326 Million MT of Fruits and vegetables. Amidst of COVID Pandemic India has produced record quantity of agricultural produce Minister said. But compared to other states Karnataka is lagging behind in exports. We are producing large quantity of food grains, fruits and vegetables which has demand in other countries and based on the demand it can be exported. But we need to focus on the quality of the produce as well as it should be chemical free. As there is demand for agri produce we need to have proper Agri infrastructure to maintain the quality. Central Government has sanctioned funds for agri infra structure which has to be utilized properly. Karnataka is blessed with varied agro climatic zones and we have to exploit this varied agro climatic zones togrow all variety of agri products. Also there is need for enhancing our R&D departments to get the good quality of agri produce which is suitable for exporting.
Dr. Rajkumar Khatri, Additional Chief Secretary,to Govt, Dept of Agriculture in his Key note address said Industry dept is the face of Economy. Karnataka has large potential in agri exports and it has to be utilized.
Dr. Rajender Kumar Kataria principal Secretary to Govt. Dept. of Horticulture and sericulture said Karnataka has huge scope in food processing sector.
M. Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA said as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav APEDA is organizing programs across the country. Vanijya Utsav held in Bengaluru is one among such programs. Karnataka and Bengaluru are example settlers in the field of Agriculture and horticulture he said.
Shri Neeraj Kumar Verma, Chief General Manager NABARD, Bengaluru Dr. Anandramakrishnan, Director Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology, Tanjavur, H.D. Lokesh, I T S, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Bengaluru were present on the occasion.
Around 25 stalls of various agencies/ stakeholders were setup as part of the Exporters Conclave. Honorable Minister visited the stalls and appreciated the efforts of the organisers.
Ministry of Education
Pragyata guidelines on digital education for schools
Keeping in view the availability of digital infrastructure PRAGYATA Guidelines on Digital Education had been issued to all State governments as well as Schools directly under Central Government as advice. The guidelines brief on various modes of digital education including online mode that depends more on availability of internet, partially online mode that utilizes the blended approach of digital technology and other offline activities, and offline mode that utilizes television and radio as a major medium of instruction of education. The guidelines can be accessed at:
https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/pragyata-guidelines_0.pdf
This information was given by the Union Minister of Education, ShriDharmendraPradhan in a written reply in the RajyaSabha today.
Ministry of Finance
Banks will remain open and banking activity will continue unimpeded in the first week of September
Banks will only observe holidays on Sunday, 2nd September and second Saturday, 8th September ; Monday, 3rd September is not a pan India holiday
ATMs in all States will be fully functional; Banks advised to ensure availability of sufficient cash for dispensation from ATMs
It has come to notice that a rumour is circulating in several sections of the social media that banks will be closed for 6 days in the first week of September 2018, causing undue panic among the general public.
It is hereby clarified that banks will remain open and banking activity will continue unimpeded in the first week of September. Banks will only observe holidays on Sunday, 2nd September and second Saturday, 8th September. Monday, 3rd September is not a pan India holiday and banks only in some States where a holiday is declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 will remain closed.
Even on those days, ATMs in all States will be fully functional and there will be no impact on online banking transactions. Banks have been advised to ensure that sufficient cash is available for dispensation from ATMs. Banks will remain open on all other days.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
BIS conducts enforcement raid at premises of company manufacturing uncertified electric toys
Mumbai, 30 August 2023
Quickly acting on information received regarding violation of Toys  Quality Control Order 2020, a team of officials from Bureau of Indian Standards , Mumbai Branch Office-I, conducted an Enforcement raid last week , at M/S JAVP Enterprises LLP, SR No. 144, B/11, Mittal Estate, Aayesha Compound, Post Kaman, Palghar-401208, Mumbai, Maharashtra. During the raid it was found that the company was manufacturing, storing and selling Electric Toys. The Toys were not BIS certified as per IS 15644:2006 which is a violation of Toys  Quality Control Order 2020. Huge amount of such electric toys found during the raid were seized, as Section 17  of BIS Act 2016 had been violated. The violation of Section 17 of BIS Act 2016 is punishable with imprisonment up to two years or a fine of minimum Rs. 2,00,000 or both as per BIS Act 2016. Action is being initiated to file a case in the court of law for the offence.
Therefore, BIS encourages all consumers to use BIS CARE App  to find out the list of mandatory products which shall be BIS certified and are also requested to ascertain the genuineness of ISI Mark on the product before making purchase, by visiting BIS website http://www.bis.gov.in. Citizens are requested that in case they come across any instance where mandatory products are being sold without BIS certification, or where misuse of ISI Mark on any product is happening, the same may be informed to:
The Head, MUBO-I,
Western Regional Office, BIS
5th Floor, CETTM Complex
Hiranandani Gardens
Powai, Mumbai - 400076.
Such complaints can also be made by E- mail at the address hmubo1@bis.gov.in. The source of such information will be kept confidential.
As per BIS Act, 2016, no person shall manufacture, import, distribute, sell, hire, lease, store or exhibit for sale any such goods which is covered under Toys  Quality Control Order, 2020, without a Standard mark, except under a valid licence. Citizens may please access BIS Act-2016 for Penalty & Obligations of licence holder, seller, etc. through link:
https://www.bis.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BIS-Act- 2016.pdf| PIB Mumbai | SC/ DR
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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Misleading advertisements
The Department of Consumer Affairs has launched a portal-Grievance Against Misleading Advertisements , to enable consumers to register their grievances against misleading advertisements. 3302 complaints have been received in 2017, 4025 complaints in 2018 and 4416 complaints in 2019. The Advertising Standards Council of India , a voluntary self-regulatory organization, looks into complaints across all media. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 provides for establishment of a Central Consumer Protection Authority  to regulate matters relating to violation of rights of consumers, unfair trade practices and false or misleading advertisements which are prejudicial to the interests of public and consumers and to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers as a class. One of the functions of the CCPA is to issue necessary guidelines to prevent unfair trade practices and protect consumers’ interest.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Danve Rao saheb Dadarao in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
40 mm UBGL  AMMUNITION BY AFK, PUNE
Inspired by the Prime Minister’s clarion call for an Atmanirbhar Bharat, Ammunition Factory Khadki, Pune, wrote a new chapter on self reliance and indigenization of 40 mm UBGL Ammunition production on 11 August 2020 by sending the first consignment to Border Security Force.
This ammunition is fired from a launcher fitted under the barrel of 5.56 mm Rifle .
The advantages of 40 mm UBGL ammunition vis-a-vis traditional hand grenade are as under:-
1) It is light weight
2) Range is 400 Meters in place of 30 Meters of hand grenade.
3) It can be fired by same equipment by the Soldier.
4) It is also a very safe ammunition for carrying by Soldiers.
There are four varieties of this ammunition:-
a) 40 mm UBGL 
b) 40 mm UBGL 
c) 40 mm UBGL (HEDP
d) 40 mm UBGL 
40 mm UBGL AMMUNITION is designed and manufactured by Ammunition factory, Khadki with the components sourced from Indian Industries.
This ammunition has been imported by Army and Ministry of Home Affairs  Units. Thus, there was a perceived need to indigenize the design and manufacture the said ammunition.
Shri M K Mohapatra, Sr General Manager, Ammunition Factory, Khadki had handed over the Inspection Note of the 40 mm UBGL  manufactured at AFK to BSF DIG Shri Ashok Kumar Jha on 4 August 2020.
Shri Hari Mohan, DGOF & Chairman, Ordnance Factory Board and Shri M K Mohapatra, Sr GM Ammunition Factory, Khadki flagged off the First Consignment of 40 mm UBGL  to BSF in the presence of Senior Officers of OFB, AFK and Members of JCM, Works Committee and Unions & Associations on 11 Aug 20.
With this event, Ammunition Factory Khadki joined the national endeavour to make India self reliant in direction of defence production and save valuable foreign exchanges by way of import substitution.
Prime Minister's Office
In Mann ki Baat, PM exhorts students and teachers to bring to fore stories of unsung heroes of freedom struggle
In the latest address of Mann ki Baat, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi exhorted students and teachers to bring to fore stories of unsung heroes of the freedom struggle.
Prime Minister said that when one thinks of his/her successes, one is always reminded of a teacher. He said that covid crisis has posed a challenge for teachers, who have turned it into an opportunity by seamlessly embracing new tools and technology, which they have passed on to students as well. He expressed confidence that teachers will play a significant role in disseminating the benefits of National Education Policy to the students.
Noting that the country will celebrate its 75th year of independence in 2022, Prime Minister said it is imperative for today’s students to remain familiar with these heroes of our freedom struggle. When our students are apprised of the history of the freedom struggle viz-a-viz their local surroundings, only then will we see the reverberations of it on the personality of the students, he said.
Prime Minister suggested that a topic of research for students can be finding whether there were any events during the course of the freedom struggle in the districts they live in. A visit of students to a place in their town associated with the freedom struggle can be planned. Students of some schools can also resolve to write 75 poems and theatrical stories on the heroes of our freedom movement to mark the 75th year of our independence, he said.
Prime Minister noted that these efforts will bring to the fore stories of lakhs of unsung heroes who lived and died for the country but have faded into oblivion. With Teachers’ Day set to be observed on 5th September, Prime Minister called upon teachers to start preparing and work towards creating an environment for the same.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
UPDATES ON COVID-19
ICMR’s sero-surveillance study reveals only 0.73% of the sample population infected with COVID-19
The sero-surveillance study conducted by ICMR has revealed that 0.73% of the population surveyed showed evidence of past exposure to SARS-CoV-2. This was stated by Dr. Balram Bhargava, Director General of ICMR, during the media briefing, here today.
ICMR conducted the first sero-survey for COVID19 in May 2020 in collaboration with state health departments, NCDC and WHO India. The study was conducted in 83 districts covering 28,595 households and 26,400 individuals. The study has two parts out of which the primary task of estimating the fraction of population who has been infected with SARS-CoV-2 in general population has been completed. The second objective of estimating fraction of population who has been infected with SARS-CoV-2 in containment zones of hotspot cities is in the process of completion.
The study also clearly points out that the measures taken during the lockdown have been successful in keeping the transmission low and in preventing rapid spread of COVID-19. ICMR has calculated that compared to rural areas, risk of spread is 1.09 times higher in urban areas and 1.89 times higher in urban slums. The infection fatality rate is very low at 0.08%. This only means that a large portion of the population must continue following COVID appropriate behaviour suggested by from time to time.
During the last 24 hours, a total of 5,823 COVID-19 patients have been cured. Thus, so far, a total of 1,41,028 patients have been cured of COVID-19. The recovery rate amongst COVID-19 patients is 49.21%. India currently has 1,37,448 active cases which are all under active medical supervision. At present, the number of patients recovered exceeds the number of active patients
For all authentic & updated information on COVID-19 related technical issues, guidelines & advisories please regularly visit: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ and @MoHFW_INDIA .
Technical queries related to COVID-19 may be sent to technicalquery.covid19[at]gov[dot]in and other queries on ncov2019[at]gov[dot]in and @CovidIndiaSeva .
In case of any queries on COVID-19, please call at Ministry of Health & Family Welfare helpline no.: +91-11-23978046 or 1075 . List of helpline numbers of States/UTs on COVID-19 is also available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf .
Ministry of Finance
Income Tax Department conducts searches in Delhi- NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa
The Income tax Department has carried out a search and seizure action on 26.10.2020 on a large network of individuals running the racket of entry operation and generation of huge cash through fake billing. The search operations have been conducted on 42 premises across Delhi- NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa.
The search has led to seizure of evidences exposing the entire network of the entry operators, intermediaries, cash handlers, the beneficiaries and the firms and companies involved. So far, documents evidencing accommodation entries of more than Rs. 500 crore have already been found and seized.
Several shell entities/firms were used by the searched entry operators for layering of unaccounted money and cash withdrawals against fake bills issued and unsecured loans given. The personal staff/employees/associates had been made dummy directors/partners of these shell entities and all bank accounts were managed and controlled by these entry operators. Statements of such entry operators, their dummy partners/employees, the cash handlers as well as the covered beneficiaries have also been recorded clearly validating the entire money trail.
The searched persons were also found to be controller and beneficial owners of several bank accounts and lockers, opened in names of their family members and trusted employees and shell entities, which they were managing in collusion with the bank officials, through the digital media. The same are being further investigated.
The beneficiaries have been found to have made huge investments in real estate properties in prime cities and in fixed deposits to the tune of several hundred crores of rupees.
During the search, cash of Rs. 2.37 crore and jewellery worth Rs. 2.89 crore has been found along with 17 bank lockers, which are yet to be operated.
Further investigations are in progress.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
HM, Shri Amit Shah to chair the 69th Plenary Session of North Eastern Council
The 69th Plenary Session of North Eastern Council  is being held in Shillong, Meghalaya on 23rd & 24th January, 2021 under the Chairmanship of the Union Home Minister,Shri Amit Shah. The meeting would be attended by the MoS , Ministry of development of North Eastern Region  & Vice Chairman, Dr. Jitender Singh and members of NEC consisting of the Hon’ble Governors and Chief Ministers of the eight North-Eastern states and other members. Senior Officials from the States and key Ministries of the Government of India are also expected to be present on the occasion.
MOS , DoNER Dr. Jitender Singh today held a meeting with senior officers of MDoNER and NEC in New Delhi to review the preparedness and modalities for the 69th Plenary Session of NEC at Shillong.
During the two-day session there will be presentations from Ministry of DoNER, NEC, the State Governments as well as selected Central Ministries on various developmental initiatives and future plans for the North East Region. The Plenary is expected to deliberate on the progress of ongoing projects, confirmation of the proceedings of the 68th Plenary meeting, outlays by Central Ministries in the North Eastern Region and plans for the period beyond March 2021 during the term of the Fifteenth Finance Commission.